AS Zambia joined the rest of the world to commemorate World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday, Media institute for Southern Africa (MISA) Zambia in collaboration with Internews, Open Space Zambia and USAID took the celebration to Chongwe District where they awarded seven female journalists.
The awards were awarded to female journalists who have taken an extra step to cover extraordinary stories.
Open Space Zambia Chief of Party Teldah Mawarire disclosed that It was also a means of motivating female journalists who face numerous challenges in the profession which mostly is male dominated.
Mawarire said female journalist face a lot of challenges as they go out in the field to gather news such as harassment from sources, colleagues, just because of their gender.
USAID/Zambia deputy mission director Robin Sharma said he was cognisant of the challenges wine face in media including sexual harassment, intimidation and discrimination.
“These awards are aim to promote female journalist while promoting the agenda that women in media are equal to the task and should be given the same opportunities to excel their male counterparts,” said Sharma.
Those awarded included Precious Sakala for her works in children rights, Lucy Nambela for cyber and digital rights reporting, Sharon Kalimbula for her climate and environment reporting and Virginia Chilongo for anti corruption reporting.
Prudence Siabana scooped two awards for her work in gender inclusion and for best report on smart cities.
Annet Munshya got an award for disability inclusion and Clara Chisenga for the best reporting on Decentralisation.
By Moses Makwaya
Kalemba May 5, 2023
